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Former dean Robert Steele honored by conservation commission

Posted: August 10, 2010

Robert Steele, professor of food science and former dean of Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences, was among three people recently honored by the State Conservation Commission for dedication in protecting the state's natural resources and agriculture.

Robert Steele

"Pennsylvania is fortunate to have committed men and women who work each day to conserve our natural resources," said Russell Redding, state agriculture secretary. "We are pleased to have this opportunity to recognize some of the outstanding partners we have across the state."

Steele, who served as dean of the college for more than 12 years until stepping down in 2009, received the Conservation Commission's Distinguished Service Award for demonstrating outstanding service in areas of conservation.

The commission cited several advancements for the college under Steele's leadership, including the addition of the new Food Science and Forest Resources buildings, new marketing and recruitment initiatives to attract more students to study agricultural sciences, and an increase in research funding.